Strait of Hormuz [Reuters Yonhap News]

The U.S. Central Command announced on the 25th (local time) that it had carried out airstrikes on some targets in southern Iran as an act of self-defense.

According to Reuters, the Central Command explained that the attacks targeted Iranian vessels attempting to lay mines and missile launchers.

The Central Command added that it would protect U.S. forces amid ongoing ceasefire efforts.

It is interpreted that they were cautious about escalation by claiming the airstrikes were defensive in nature to protect U.S. forces.

Earlier, Reuters reported that explosions were heard in several areas, including Bandar Abbas, near the Strait of Hormuz.

Attention is focused on how Iran will respond to the U.S. airstrikes. The United States and Iran are in final negotiations over a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that would involve the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a declaration of cessation of hostilities, and nuclear negotiations for the next 60 days.